Self-Producing Systems

'A much-needed reference on autopoiesis...I enjoyed reading the book as it took me stage by stage through a clear and easy-to-grasp understanding of the concepts and ideas of autopoiesis...on through their applications...an exceptional text.' from the Foreword by Robert L. Flood

• 1. The Development of Autopoiesis.- I. Autopoiesis in the Physical Domain.- 2. The Organization of Living Systems.- 3. The Implications of Autopoiesis.- 4. Mathematics and Models of Autopoiesis.- II. Theories of Cognition.- 5. The Organization of the Nervous System.- 6. Language and the Emergence of the Observer.- 7. Philosophical Implications.- III. Applications of Autopoiesis.- 8. Autopoietic Organizations and Social Systems.- 9. Law as an Autopoietic System.- 10. Family Therapy.- 11. Information Systems, Cognitive Science, and Artificial Intelligence.- IV. Conclusions.- 12. Conclusions.- Name Index.